The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) investigated this occurrence for the purpose of advancing transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.
Marine Investigation Report
Grounding
Bulk Carrier Canadian Leader
Off Cap à la Roche, Upstream of
Deschaillons-sur-Saint-Laurent, Quebec
26 September 2005
Report Number M05L0203
On 24 September 2005, the Canadian Leader departed Pointe-Noire, Quebec, fully loaded with iron ore pellets and bound for Hamilton, Ontario. At 0115 eastern daylight time on September 26, upstream of Deschaillons-sur-Saint-Laurent, Quebec, the vessel sustained a blackout. With the helm no longer responsive, the vessel took a sheer to starboard and ran aground near buoy D38. Water ingress was observed in the forepeak and the No. 1 starboard ballast tank. Three hours later, on a rising tide, two unsuccessful attempts to refloat were made.
Later that morning, the crew realized that the cargo hold was taking in water and, once the vessel's management company was apprised of the situation, a salvage tug and equipment were requested. Upon arrival, portable pumps were rigged and de-watering commenced. At approximately 0525 on September 28, the third attempt to refloat was successful. The vessel then proceeded to the Port of Québec, where it was partially unloaded and underwent temporary repairs. Afterward, the vessel resumed its voyage toward the Great Lakes.
Ce rapport est également disponible en français.
© Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada 2008
Cat. No. TU3-7/05-2E
ISBN 978-1-100-10201-6